Welcome to the Alternatives International Youth Internship Program main page!
Objectives
In the continuity of the many initiatives we have carried out with young people in Quebec and Canada over the last thirty years, Alternatives, with the help of the International Young Internship Program (IYIP) of Global Affairs Canada, expresses a real desire to train the next generation in the field of solidarity and international cooperation.
Each year, until fall 2028, this program offers young Canadians confronted with discrimination the opportunity to take part in three-month internships with partner organizations in 15 countries. Virtual internships are 12 weeks long.
Who is this program for?
This program is particularly aimed at young people facing barriers to employment: those who belong to or identify with a group that faces discrimination, such as people living with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, racialized youth, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
The 2024-2029 edition of the internship program enables selected youngs to acquire:
- Professional experience abroad (or in some cases virtually) in the field of international development, education and gender equality, but also in communications, human rights, the right to education, environmental protection, action research and advocacy development.
- Skills that prepare them for future employment or further study.
Project course
Training in Montreal
Before leaving, selected candidates have the chance to take part in a 12-day professional pre-departure training led by recognized trainers in their field, during which various themes will be addressed. IYIP also aims to help participants integrate into the job market when they return. As part of this, participation in the program includes workshops designed to improve interviewing skills and strengthen job search tools.
Duration of internships abroad and in Quebec
IYIP internships last three months (12 weeks for virtual internships) in a partner organization abroad or virtually in Quebec, to enable people with mobility problems or family obligations to participate in the program.
Compensation
All IYIP internships are voluntary and therefore unpaid. However, each intern receives a per diem including transportation costs (air and ground) and also the cost of living once arrived in the country (including food). The amount of the per diem will be determined according to the economic conditions of each host country. During pre-departure training, trainees will receive a daily allowance.
Target countries
The program targets 15 countries in the Global South, including several in Central and South America, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and South Asia. Here is the list of countries and mandates, click on the links to find out more. You will find an english version of each mandate by clicking on « English version » of the top left corner.
Please note that our internship in Nepal is currently on hold.
| Central and South America | Africa | Asia |
|---|---|---|
 Brazil |  Benin (Porto-Novo 1) |  India |
 Costa Rica (San Jose) | Benin (Porto-Novo 2) |  Malaysia |
 Guatemala |  Cameroon |  Nepal (on hold) |
 Honduras (Tegucigalpa) |  Ivory Coast |  Philippines |
 Lesotho |  Sri Lanka |
|
 DRC (online) | ||
 Senegal |
Selection process
Trainees are selected after analysis of the applications submitted via our registration form. After the application deadline and if all documents are provided, those selected for an interview are contacted.
IMPORTANT: you MUST be aged between 18 and 30 and have Canadian citizenship or permanent residency to participate in the program, and never have been accepted to IYIP in the past. However, certain specific conditions allow you to apply. These conditions are described in each internship offer. In addition, you’ll need to make sure you have a passport that will be valid for at least 6 months after you return from your internship abroad.
IMPORTANT : For full program details and before contacting us for information, visit our FAQ section by clicking here.
Application submission period :
The application period for the Spring 2026 cohort will open on
Tuesday, October 7 2025
If you have any further questions, please contact us by :
Email: psij@alternatives.ca
Telephone: 514-982-6606 #2236 or #2222
